China promises &quot;responsible attitude&quot; at NSG

Beijing: China on Monday sought "more information and explanations" from India to address concerns of "some countries" on the India-U.S. civilian nuclear deal but promised to take a "responsible attitude" at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) when the issue comes up.

"We hope that the Indian side can attach importance to these opinions and provide more information and explanations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told PTI here.

Ms.Jiang's comment is the most explicit comment from Beijing on the nuclear agreement.

Her remarks, which come close on the heels of Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi giving guarded support to the deal, is significant as Beijing is being seen as one which could cause problems when India's case comes up before the NSG.

"The Chinese side has noted that during the deliberations in the NSG regarding U.S.-India nuclear cooperation, some countries expressed concern and doubts," Ms. Jiang said.

"We will continue to participate in these relevant discussions with an earnest and responsible attitude,'' she said when asked about China's stand if the Indian leadership sought support from Mr. Hu for the India-U.S. agreement at the 45-member NSG.

"Abide by regulations"

"We believe that any country going in for peaceful use of nuclear energy should abide by international obligations, conform to regulations of the international non-proliferation regime and ensure that its efforts were beneficial to strengthening international non-proliferation efforts," Ms. Jiang said. PTI